Art glass display decorative supportive connector element

ABSTRACT

An art glass display connecting element having a central portion, with the central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, with the top and the bottom having apertures formed therein. The central portion has a channel formed therethrough, with the channel having a first end directly adjacent the top aperture and with the channel having a second end directly adjacent the bottom aperture. The connecting element also has a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from the central portion sidewall, with the arm members having a top portion and a bottom portion. The connecting element also has at least one spacer element, with the spacer element secured to the central portion. The connecting element is part of a decorative art glass display having a framework in cooperative interconnection with cames. Decorative art glass is secured within the framework, and at least one protective sheet of a translucent material is in a plane parallel to the framework, such that a spacer element is located between the protective sheet and the central portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to an art glass display which can be used in the fabrication of doors, tables, windows, or other decorative displays featuring art glass, and more particularly to one which features a decorative supportive connector element.

2. Description Of The Related Art

This invention is directed to art glass displays of the type that have existed for centuries. Among the earliest forms of this type of art were stained glass windows made famous, for example, in the medieval cathedrals of Europe. Originally, art glass displays were fabricated by placing metal solder between the edges of adjacent pieces of art glass. As the solder cooled, the pieces of art glass were retained in fixed relationship to one another.

Over the centuries, art glass was incorporated into the building of homes, especially those associated with the Victorian era. For the purposes of this invention, art glass refers to sheet glass which is tinted or colored, as well as to glass which may have a textured surface as opposed to just a smooth one, or to glass which is beveled so as to impart a unique appearance.

Furthermore, during the Victorian era, the use of beveled glass came into vogue. Consequently, many ornate Victorian homes incorporated at least one, if not all three, of the embodiments of art glass. With the passing of time, there were improvements associated with the manufacture of art glass displays.

One of the first improvements came along as the various pieces of art glass were cut with only straight edges, thus allowing the use of cames between the edges of adjacent pieces of art glass. Cames originally were elongated pieces of metal provided with channels on their opposite sides, into which channels the adjacent pieces of glass would fit.

Over the past couple of decades there has been an increase in the desire to incorporate the use of art glass in the construction of homes and furniture. Consequently, home builders and furniture manufacturers have responded to this demand by providing numerous products which feature art glass. Coupled with concerns over energy savings and strength, this increased demand has resulted in a surge in the market for insulated glass products in North America. By utilization of insulated glass, the product is more energy efficient in the case of windows and doors, and is more durable than just a single pane of stained glass. The increased durability translates into better load bearing capacity when used in tabletops, and in increased security when used in doors and windows. Consequently, these products are utilized in table tops, in wall decorations, and especially in art glass windows, both as a component in doors and as stand-alone window units.

Concerns over the structural integrity of art glass windows, specifically their air-tightness and breakability, prompted fabricators of art glass displays to place at least a single sheet of protective glass or plastic adjacent the art glass display sheet. Typically, this protective sheet, in the case of doors or windows, is on the outside of the door or window to be protected, thereby assisting in the protection of the window from the elements and flying objects. However, this “improvement” significantly increased the cost of such displays, in addition to significantly increasing their weight, since two complete sheets of glass were required, yet the insulation is not up to the level associated with insulated glass units.

In an attempt to solve the above problems, cames were developed which were lighter in weight. These cames could be made from extruded sheet-metal profiles, such as aluminum, or from plastic, and attached to connecting elements, which connecting elements retained a plurality of cames in the framework of the display. However, the weight of the finished art glass display could cause the assemblage of cames to fail structurally. This problem was exacerbated when the display received direct sunlight. To provide additional support for the framework holding the art glass, one solution engaged in by some artisans was to incorporate a second sheet of glass into the display, such that the art glass in its framework was sandwiched between the protective sheets. Unfortunately, although this solution enhanced the insulative capabilities of the window, not to mention aiding in the support of the art glass, it greatly increased the weight of the total display, not to mention the cost.

An alternative solution was proffered whereby the presence of art glass adjacent to the cames was completely eliminated, resulting in an artistic-looking came framework placed adjacent a sheet of glass. Unfortunately, the aesthetics associated with having glass within the came framework had to be sacrificed. Moreover, since this “improvement” would sometimes result in a came framework which could become detached from itself, some manufacturers added a second piece of glass to the display, such that the empty came framework was effectively sandwiched between the two sheets of glass. Once again, there were the problems with weight and cost, not to mention the aesthetic quality of the finished product.

If the came framework incorporated colored or textured glass within a dual pane display, the aesthetics associated with the glass were present. Moreover, came design progressed to include a plurality of finishes and colors even where the cames themselves were fabricated from plastic. For example, cames became available in finishes such as copper, gold, silver, pewter, and in numerous colors. However, the connecting elements were only made available in solid finishes and colors that corresponded to those available with respect to the cames.

From the foregoing discussion it can be appreciated that aesthetics are very important to art glass displays. It is thus apparent that the need exists for a more aesthetically pleasing connecting element which is relatively easy and cost effective to fabricate and install in conjunction with cames and decorative art glass displays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed an art glass display connecting element having a central portion, with the central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, with the top and the bottom having apertures formed therein. The central portion has a channel formed therethrough, with the channel having a first end directly adjacent the top aperture and with the channel having a second end directly adjacent the bottom aperture. The connecting element also has a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from the central portion sidewall, with the arm members having a top portion and a bottom portion. The connecting element also has at least one spacer element, with the spacer element secured to the central portion.

The arm members extend perpendicularly from the central portion sidewall. In one embodiment, the spacer element is secured to the central portion by adhesive. In another embodiment, the spacer element is secured by friction-fit. In one embodiment the spacer element is dome-shaped. In another the spacer element has an upper surface that has a plurality of planar surfaces.

In one embodiment, the central portion has a spacer element secured to the central portion's top. In one embodiment, the central portion has a spacer element secured to the central portion's top and a spacer element secured to the central portion's bottom. In one embodiment, the spacer element has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion, with the intermediate portion enclosed within the channel. In one embodiment, the first end and second end are of different dimensions.

There is also disclosed an art glass display having a framework, at least one piece of decorative art glass retained within the framework, and at least one protective sheet of a translucent material in a plane parallel to the framework secured to the housing of the display. The framework is comprised of a plurality of cames and connecting elements in interconnected relationship, with the connecting elements having a central portion, with the central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, and with the top and the bottom having apertures formed therein. The central portion has a channel formed therethrough, with the channel having a first end directly adjacent the top aperture and with the channel having a second end directly adjacent the bottom aperture. The connecting elements have a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from the central portion sidewall, with the arm members having a top portion, and a bottom portion, and with the connecting elements having at least one spacer element secured to the central portion. A spacer element is located between the protective sheet and the central portion.

In another embodiment, the art glass display includes a first protective sheet of a translucent material and a second protective sheet of a translucent material, with the framework located in a plane parallel to both the first and second protective sheets. A portion of a spacer element is located between the first protective sheet and the central portion, and a portion of a spacer element is located between the second protective sheet and the central portion.

The arm members preferably extend perpendicularly from the central portion sidewall. In one embodiment, the spacer element is secured to the central portion by adhesive. In another embodiment, the spacer element is secured by friction-fit. In one embodiment the spacer element is dome-shaped. In another the spacer element has an upper surface that has a plurality of planar surfaces.

In one embodiment, the central portion has a spacer element secured to the central portion's top. In one embodiment, the central portion has a spacer element secured to the central portion's top and a spacer element secured to the central portion's bottom. In one embodiment, the spacer element has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion, with the intermediate portion enclosed within the channel. In one embodiment, the first end and second end are of different dimensions.

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a more aesthetically pleasing connecting element for attaching thereto the cames in a decorative art glass display.

Another objective of this invention is to provide improved grid support of the framework associated with decorative art glass displays. An important aspect of this objective is to preclude the possibility of sagging of the framework once completely assembled.

Another objective of this invention is to provide such a device which is relatively simple to fabricate yet which appears somewhat elaborate.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a more aesthetically pleasing art glass display by having more aesthetically pleasing connecting elements.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting element disclosing the new invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the connecting element of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a connecting element.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another modified embodiment of a connecting element.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but of yet another modified embodiment of a connecting element.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another modified embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the connecting element of FIG. 1 in an operative embodiment in a portion of a decorative glass display.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Having reference to the drawings, attention is directed first to FIG. 1, which discloses a decorative supportive connecting element made in accordance with the invention being designated generally by the numeral 10. As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, the connecting element has a top 12, a bottom 14, and sidewall 16 which extends along the exterior of the connecting element between the top 12 and bottom 14. The top 12, bottom 14, and sidewall 15 comprise the central portion 18 of the connecting element 10.

Extending outwardly from, and preferably perpendicularly to the sidewall 16 of, the central portion 18 are at least two arm members 20. The number of arms 20 associated with a given connecting element depends on the number of cames which must be connected thereto. Each arm 20 includes a top portion 22, and a bottom portion 24. To assist in the securing of the connecting element 10 to cames, preferably each arm has at least one, and in the embodiment shown in the drawings, two nubs 25 which provide a friction-fit when an arm is inserted into a came in a manner well known in the field of modern art glass displays.

As can better be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the top 12 of the central portion 18 has an aperture 26 and the bottom 14 of the central portion 18 has an aperture 27, with a channel 28 extending through the central portion 18 from the top aperture 26 to the bottom aperture 27. The channel 28 has a channel sidewall 29. Furthermore, the channel 28 has a first end 30 directly adjacent the top aperture 26 and a second end 31 directly adjacent the bottom aperture 27. Still further, the cross-section of the channel could be circular, or polygonal including but not limited to square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.

A spacer element 32, also referred to as an assured distance pad, is also a component of the central portion 18. While the remainder of the central portion 18 could be fabricated from plastic, metal, or a combination thereof including a co-extruded material, the spacer element 32 is preferably formed of silicone or plastic, since should it come into contact with a glass or plastic protective sheet in the art glass display, the spacer element 32 should not be capable of scratching the surface of such protective sheet. Additionally, if fabricated from plastic or metal, such fabrication could utilize one of a multitude of colors.

Further, in the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, a comparison of those drawing figures shows a pair of spacer elements 32 attached to the top and bottom, 12 and 14 respectively, by an adhesive layer 34, with the adhesive 34 being selected from those appropriate to securing the composition of the exterior of the spacer element to the exterior surface of the top and bottom, 12 and 14 respectively. Although only one spacer element 32 could be utilized, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, spacer elements are project upwardly from the top of the central portion and project downwardly from the bottom of the central portion. Thus it will be appreciated that the plane that runs through the spacer elements is substantially perpendicular to the plane containing the arms. Although this embodiment discloses the use of an adhesive, another option for attaching the spacer elements to the central portion would be by a more mechanical means, such as heat welding or ultrasonically.

In comparing FIGS. 1-3, in that particular embodiment of the invention it will be appreciated that the shape of the spacer element is of a dome-shape 35. Meanwhile, in the modified embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the exterior upper surface of the spacer element 32 is multifaceted or beveled 36. Additionally, in the modified embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the exterior upper surface of the spacer element 32 is more of a pyramidal-shape 37 formed from a plurality of planar faces inclined upwardly from a polyhedral base and terminating in an apex.

It will also be appreciated that the central portion of the connecting element can be formed in a plurality of shapes. For example, while FIGS. 1-3 show a generally rectilinear shape, FIG. 4 discloses more of a five-sided shape. However, the central portion 18 could have almost any geometric shape associated therewith, including but not limited to one that is circular or of a multi-sided polygonal shape.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a further modification of the invention is disclosed having a modified spacer element 40 which is secured to the central portion 18 by friction-fit. The spacer element 40 is shown having a first end portion 42, a second end portion 43, and an intermediate portion 44 extending between the first and second end portions, 42 and 43 respectively. The friction-fit occurs between the intermediate portion sidewall 45 and the channel sidewall 29. An interesting aspect of this modified spacer element 40 is that one or both end portions can have a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the channel. For example, in FIG. 6, the first end portion 42 is of a smaller diameter than the channel although the second portion is shown as being of a slightly greater diameter than the channel. Furthermore, the first and second end portions could be of any of the shapes discussed above with respect to spacer element 32 in its various embodiments. Still further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first end portion projects above the top surface 12 of the central portion, and the second end portion projects below the bottom surface 14 of the central portion.

A comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8 discloses yet another modified embodiment of the invention, with this showing what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the arm members. The connecting element 10 includes a top 12, a bottom 14, and a sidewall portion 16. The central portion 18 can use either type of spacer element 32 since the central portion has the channel formed therein (not shown).

Turning now to the arms shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a comparison of the drawing figures discloses that the arms have a top 22 and a bottom 24, but in addition to having nubs 25, there also are a plurality of slightly raised ridges 25 b which run in axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of each arm 20. Another difference between the arm members shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 compared with the arm members shown in other drawing figures is that each arm member in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a generally horizontal portion 46 and a generally vertical portion 48 depending downwardly from the generally horizontal portion. Thus as formed, the arm members of these drawing figures are of a T-shape.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the top 22 of each arm member 20 is slightly convex. Yet another distinctive aspect of this embodiment is that a metallic foil covers the top 12 and bottom 14 of the central portion, as well as the portion of the arm members immediately adjacent the central portion, i.e. the portion of the arm member where the two ridges are located. Still another distinctive associated with the arm members as can be appreciated from FIG. 7 is that the top 22 of the arm members 20 has a narrow section intermediate the portion that is directly adjacent the central portion 18 and the terminal portion of the top 22.

In actual use, the decorative connecting element of this invention is utilized in the manner disclosed by a comparison of FIGS. 9 and 10. As mentioned briefly above, the connecting element 10 is attached to a plurality of cames 50 which may be fabricated as a rolled-formed tube with laser weld, or extruded. It should also be appreciated that other came or muttin cross-sectional shapes other than what are disclosed in the drawing figures could be utilized, with the cross-section of the arm members being configured to interfit therein. Pieces of decorative glass 54 are attached to the framework formed by the cames and connecting elements, with one such manner of attachment being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,441.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the decorative glass 54 is pictured as having a beveled portion 56, however it should be understood that the glass need not be beveled, provided the glass is able to be retained in the framework. As such, it should also be appreciated that the possibility exists that the framework could be used without any glass retained in the framework, due to the asthetically pleasing appearance associated with this invention. Thus, the framework with the decorative supportive connector element herein disclosed can be used as an independent design element.

In use, at least one protective sheet 60 is positioned in a plane parallel to the framework of the cames and connecting elements, and as can be appreciated from FIG. 10, in the preferred embodiment of the utilization of the invention, two protective sheets 60 would typically be used in the art glass display containing the decorative connecting element. When assembled, each spacer element is in extremely close proximity to, if not actually barely touching, the protective sheet directly adjacent thereto.

The art glass display decorative connecting element made in accordance with this invention not only precludes the sagging of the framework of an art glass display, but is not limited to only serving a functional purpose. While solid spacer elements have been known to exist, they have not addressed aesthetic considerations. Further, they have not been used in conjunction with a channel immediately adjacent thereto so as to permit the transmission of light through a connecting element. The passage of light through the connecting element as well as through the spacer element results in a highly aesthetically pleasing art glass display.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. 

1. An art glass display connecting element comprising a central portion, said central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, said top and said bottom having apertures formed therein, said central portion having a channel formed therethrough, said channel having a first end directly adjacent said top aperture and said channel having a second end directly adjacent said bottom aperture, a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from said central portion, said arm members having a top portion, and a bottom portion, and at least one spacer element, said spacer element secured to said central portion.
 2. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said arm members extend perpendicularly from said central portion.
 3. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said spacer element is secured to said central portion by adhesive.
 4. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said spacer element is dome-shaped.
 5. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said spacer element has an upper surface that has a plurality of planar surfaces.
 6. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said central portion has a spacer element secured to said central portion's top.
 7. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said central portion has a spacer element secured to said central portion's top and a spacer element secured to said central portion's bottom.
 8. The connecting element according to claim 1 wherein said spacer element has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion enclosed within said channel.
 9. The connecting element according to claim 8 wherein said first end and said second end are of different dimensions.
 10. An art glass display comprising a framework, said framework being comprised of a plurality of cames and connecting elements in interconnected relationship, said connecting elements having a central portion, said central portion having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, said top and said bottom having apertures formed therein, said central portion having a channel formed therethrough, said channel having a first end directly adjacent said top aperture and said channel having a second end directly adjacent said bottom aperture, said connecting elements having a plurality of arm members extending outwardly from said central portion sidewall, said arm members having a top portion, and a bottom portion, and said connecting elements having at least one spacer element, said spacer element secured said central portion, at least one piece of decorative art glass retained within said framework, at least one protective sheet of a translucent material in a plane parallel to said framework, said spacer element located between said protective sheet and said central portion.
 11. The art glass display according to claim 10 which includes a first protective sheet of a translucent material and a second protective sheet of a translucent material, said framework located in a plane parallel to said first and second protective sheets, and with a portion of said spacer element located between said first protective sheet and said central portion, and a portion of said spacer element located between said second protective sheet and said central portion.
 12. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said spacer element is secured to said central portion by adhesive.
 13. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said arm members extend perpendicularly from said central portion sidewall.
 14. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said spacer element is dome-shaped.
 15. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said spacer element has an upper surface that has a plurality of planar surfaces.
 16. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said central portion has a spacer element secured to said central portion's top.
 17. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said central portion has a spacer element secured to said central portion's top and a spacer element secured to said central portion's bottom.
 18. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said spacer element has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion enclosed within said channel.
 19. The art glass display according to claim 10 wherein said first end and said second end are of different dimensions. 